The Cost of an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The national health system will cover your medication and assessment should you opt to take the NHS route. However the NHS typically has long waiting times.
You can also get your ADHD assessment privately funded by the 'Right to choose route in England. However the services you select must be appropriate for your needs and must not cost more than an NHS one.
1. In-person assessment
During the examination you will work with a psychiatrist who is senior to fully comprehend your thoughts, presentations and experiences. You will be asked questions about your family history and any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past. The psychiatrist will then gather information from a number of sources, including symptom checklists and scales for assessing behavior and will also talk to you and your relatives or close friends about how ADHD symptoms can affect you in various settings.
Depending on the medical professional's opinion, it may be necessary to assess whether or not your symptoms may be explained better by other psychiatric or medical conditions that mimic or coexist with ADHD. For instance anxiety disorders may manifest similarly to symptoms of ADHD and can affect work and relationships. Before deciding on medication or other treatments, it is crucial to rule out any other disorders that may cause symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS Route
If you choose to utilize the NHS the first step is to go to your GP to explain the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD symptoms. Your GP must take this seriously and refer you to an assessment. However, waiting times for NHS assessments can be very long. If you cannot wait, you can choose the private route that is more costly but has shorter waiting times.
During your appointment, you will be asked a few questions and administered the QbTest, a computerised test that measures the most important ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, activity and attention. You should be familiar with the signs of ADHD so you can describe how you experience these characteristics in your daily life. The psychiatrist will evaluate your answers, and then discuss the next steps. This could include looking into the options for medication.
2. Online assessment
Online assessments can be a much faster option than waiting for a NHS appointment. It can also be more expensive. The cost of an ADHD online assessment can range between PS240 and PS2500. This includes the assessment, as well as a complete diagnosis report as well as medication costs.
In the UK children and adults can get ADHD assessments through the NHS through the referral of a GP. The BBC's investigation shows that there are lengthy waiting times to consult an expert. One woman in Sheffield for instance has waited for two years to see a specialist. Suicidal thoughts are among her symptoms, and could indicate that she may not be diagnosed with ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for ADHD assessments state that patients should be examined by a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or "other qualified healthcare professional" (NICE guidelines). During the examination, a psychiatrist will examine and interview the patient, through questionnaires and observation of their behavior. The psychiatrist will then assess the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact on everyday life.
People suffering from ADHD often attempt to manage their symptoms with strategies like diaries, calendars and post-it notes. These strategies are not always efficient. They can cause more stress and confusion particularly for those already struggling with mental health conditions. The examination will consist of a physical exam and a review medical history.
The NHS has a scheme called Right to Choose, which allows you to select where you're referred for an assessment. Anyone who is registered with a GP office in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can take advantage of this scheme. You can ask to have a private clinic that's partnered with NHS offer an ADHD assessment. If the service is accredited by NHS and doesn't charge higher than NHS, you can request to be referred.
3. Diagnosis
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist will typically conduct an ADHD assessment, based on the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Adults may also be assessed for co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression.
During the appointment, you'll discuss your current symptoms and your family history with the consultant. You'll be asked to fill out questionnaires or rating systems. During this process, the expert will assess the way your behavior affects others in your life, including your spouse or children.
The psychiatrist will review all the data to determine if you fit the ADHD criteria, including subtypes. Your doctor will explain their findings and discuss with you the best course of action.
If the psychiatrist suggests a medication, you will receive a prescription to take to any pharmacy you like. The prescription fees are intended for administrative use only and do not cover the cost of medicines. You will have to pay separately for the medication. Additional appointments are possible in the event that you require a titration of your medication.
It's important that you share your diagnosis with your GP, as well as anyone else who may need to be aware of it, such as your employer or school. adhd assessments can provide letters of recommendation for educational accommodations such as extended time during exams, or reduced deadlines.
Some people may have difficulty obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, particularly when their GP isn't convinced that they exhibit the symptoms. If this is the situation for you, we suggest reading our Getting an ADHD Assessment page for tips and guidance on how to convince your GP to send you.
4. Medication
There are many medications that are licensed for use in the UK to treat ADHD. These are often stimulants, including the well-known methylphenidate medication (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). In the beginning, it is recommended that patients start with a low dosage of medication that is gradually increased over a period of time until a patient is stabilized on their dosage. This is often followed by regular appointments with psychiatrists to discuss any the effects of medication and track progress.
The medication can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and reduce the burden they place on people, families and employers. They help by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters that enable brain cells to communicate with each other. Finding the right medication is a personal choice and takes some time. Once a patient is prescribed the appropriate medication, it's essential to adhere to the treatment plan. If they continue to skip appointments or stop taking their medication can cause symptoms to return and the medication not working as efficiently.
An expert psychiatrist will not prescribe medication during the assessment, but they will be able to refer you to an expert nurse who will discuss the options for medication and prescribe if necessary. This will involve further periodic titration sessions to ensure you are receiving the correct dosage and regular reviews to monitor the effectiveness of your medication. The NHS typically does not cover prescriptions, so you'll have to pay a premium at the pharmacy.
Private clinics charge for follow-up consultations. This includes writing and sending letters of recommendation to employers or schools in the event that they are required. Email or brief phone conversations (limited to 20 min) can be used to provide advice and guidance on medical or medication questions between appointments. However, the costs of titration and follow-up are not included in the initial ADHD assessment appointment.
5. Follow-up
The NHS has struggled for years to meet demand for adult ADHD tests for adults with ADHD. In the end, some areas face waiting times that can be as long as eight years, as per BBC research conducted using Freedom of Information requests sent to NHS trusts.
The assessment process may be long, but it's vital for a thorough diagnosis. The psychiatrist who conducts the assessment will talk to you about your medical history and lifestyle, as well as the symptoms you're experiencing and their impact on your daily life. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires or fill out rating scales that will help the specialist assess your condition.
Following the clinical interview after the clinical interview, you will receive the report of your specialist that will include an assessment of ADHD and recommendations for treatment and ongoing support. They will also inform you whether ADHD is a contributing factor to any health issues or concerns you may have.
There are various kinds of ADHD and they are all displayed differently in every individual. This is why it's crucial to understand the exact symptoms you're experiencing so that your specialist can determine the correct kind of ADHD. This is why a comprehensive ADHD assessment is crucial and will give you the best chance of finding the appropriate treatment for your issues.
Private healthcare providers provide an alternative to the NHS for those who wish to avoid the wait and to speed up their ADHD assessment. Self-referrals to private mental health services will allow people to connect with specialists with expertise in adult ADHD faster. The process typically starts with a meeting with psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who has experience in adult ADHD assessment.